Neck pain frequently occurs due to poor posture, such as slouching over a computer or workbench, which can strain neck muscles. Additionally, osteoarthritis is a common culprit for neck pain. In some cases, neck pain may indicate a more severe underlying issue. It is important to seek medical attention for neck pain accompanied by numbness or weakness in the arms or hands, or for pain that radiates into the shoulder or down an arm.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Headache
- Muscle tightness and spasms
- Decreased ability to move the head
- Prolonged periods of maintaining a fixed position, such as driving or working on a computer, can frequently exacerbate discomfort that is commonly associated with pain in the head.
Causes
Muscle strains:
Spending too much time on a computer or smartphone can cause muscle strains, while even small tasks such as reading in bed can lead to neck muscle strain.
Worn joints:
The aging process affects neck joints, just like it does with other joints in the body. This natural wear and tear can prompt the body to generate bone spurs, causing limitations in joint movement and resulting in varying degrees of pain.
Nerve compression:
Compression of the nerves that extend from the spinal cord can occur due to herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of the neck.
Injuries:
The aftermath of rear-end car crashes often leads to whiplash injuries, characterized by the sudden backward and forward movement of the head, which strains the neck’s soft tissues.
Complications
Most broken collarbones heal without difficulty. Complications, when they occur, might include:
- Nerve or blood vessel injury.
- Poor or slow healing.
- A lump in the bone.
- Osteoarthritis.